Armstrong: I'm not retiring

Tuesday 18 May 2004 23:00 BST

Lance Armstrong starts the last phase of his preparation for the Tour de France this week feeling fitter than he did last year and rejecting all thoughts of retirement even if he wins for a sixth time.

Speaking before the start of the Tour du Languedoc-Roussillon, Armstrong's US Postal team boss Johan Bruyneel, said: "Lance is better prepared than a year ago. He seems to me very well mentally and stronger physically."

The stage race held in the south of France will be another test for Armstrong (above) on his return to Europe after winning the Tour of Georgia last month.

As usual, the Texan has devoted a lot of time studying and riding the main stages of July's Tour de France.

But Bruyneel said Armstrong would not be trying to win this week's event or the Dauphine Libere race later this month. "After the fitness problems he had last year, Lance decided to focus on the Tour and take it easy in events like this."